HR0421 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0421 LRB103 34477 MST 64308 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Vernon Jerome LaVia of Aurora, who passed away on September 17, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Vernon LaVia was born to Johanna A. LaVia and John T. LaVia Jr. on July 15, 1963; he earned his degree in economics from Duke University in 1985; he married Linda Chapa LaVia in Chicago on July 25, 1992; and

WHEREAS, Vernon LaVia was an entrepreneur, a birder, an author, a movie producer, and a mentor; and

WHEREAS, Vernon LaVia was the founder of the Maternity Homes of Fox Valley and Carpenter's Place Aurora; and

WHEREAS, Vernon LaVia served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Aurora and Crime Stoppers of Aurora and held positions on the board of directors for a number or organizations, including the Illinois Audubon Society, the Sci-Tech Hands-on Museum, Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Conservation Foundation; he was also a member of Kane County Audubon; and

WHEREAS, Vernon LaVia will be remembered for his humor, his unwavering faith, and his true servant spirit; and

WHEREAS, Vernon LaVia was preceded in death by his father; and

WHEREAS, Vernon LaVia is survived by his wife, former State Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia; his mother; his mentor and uncle, Dennis (Danielle) LaVia; his daughters, Veronica and Jackie LaVia; his siblings, Wendy (Tom) Archer and Jay (Jennifer) LaVia; and his toy poodle, Luna; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Vernon Jerome LaVia and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Vernon LaVia as an expression of our deepest sympathy.